Tiger Mask IV Announces Retirement – Veteran wrestler Tiger Mask IV has officially announced that he will retire from professional wrestling in July 2026, bringing an end to a celebrated in-ring career spanning three decades under one of the most iconic personas in Japanese wrestling history.
The announcement came after his match against Hiroshi Tanahashi at NJPW’s New Japan Soul event on July 6. Tiger Mask IV, whose real name is Yoshihiro Yamazaki, made his retirement plans public through a post on X, with further comments translated and published by Tokyo Sports.
“I wanted to show my determination… I wonder if I was able to show it,” he said. “I’ve been wearing a tiger mask for 30 years, but I’ve decided to retire next July. Show me more Tiger Mask than ever for the year I have left.”
The news signals the final chapter of a storied career that began in 1996 when Yamazaki became the fourth man to carry the legendary Tiger Mask identity, originally created by Satoru Sayama. Yamazaki was trained by both Sayama and The Great Sasuke, two pioneers of junior heavyweight wrestling in Japan.
Tiger Mask IV made his NJPW debut in 2002 and has since become one of the company’s longest-serving junior heavyweight stars. His accolades include four reigns as IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion and two IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship runs, marking him as one of the most decorated junior heavyweights of his era.
His technical style, resilience, and dedication to the Tiger Mask legacy have earned him deep respect among fans and peers. Unlike his predecessors, Yamazaki remained under the hood for his entire career, making him the longest-tenured Tiger Mask to date.
Tiger Mask IV’s retirement next year will mark the end of a significant era for New Japan Pro-Wrestling and the broader landscape of puroresu. As one of the last links to the golden generation of junior heavyweight wrestling, his final year is expected to be celebrated throughout NJPW with tribute matches and possible appearances honoring his legacy.
No official date or retirement venue has been announced yet, but NJPW is expected to build toward a major farewell as July 2026 approaches.
Stay tuned to WrestlingAttitude, WA.Com On Facebook, Twitter/X, Bluesky and Google News for more.
Tiger Mask IV Announces Retirement
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